The Ankeny boys’ tennis team will be looking to make some improvements during its second season under coach Ron Miller.
The Hawks posted a 3-9 record a year ago, including a 1-4 mark in the CIML Iowa Conference. They earned wins over Norwalk, Des Moines East and Fort Dodge during a 3-1 start before the schedule got tougher and the team struggled the rest of the way.
After placing third in a Class 2A district tournament, Ankeny ended the season with a 5-2 loss at Urbandale in a preliminary substate match. The J-Hawks threatened to end the meet early after winning the opening set in all six singles matches, but Ankeny battled back to win two of those matches, forcing the start of doubles play.
Mason Lyons had one of the two wins, coming back for a 4-6, 7-6, 6-2 victory at the No. 3 spot. The junior competed in singles at the district tournament and is one of the team’s top returnees.
“He is expected to challenge for the No. 1 position,” Miller said.
The Hawks boast a trio of returning seniors. They are Easton Dunwoody, Sam Parkinson and Owen Somers.
“All of them are expected to make varsity and be singles contributors,” Miller said.
Somers spent some time at the team’s No. 1 position as a junior. Parkinson was also one of the Hawks’ top players.
That duo also played a lot of doubles together. They placed seventh in No. 1 doubles at the Dennis Hoefle Invitational and later comprised one of Ankeny’s two doubles teams at the district tournament.
Somers and Parkinson closed out the season with a 6-2, 6-2 loss at Urbandale in the preliminary substate match.
A newcomer, freshman Dillion Victor, could make a big impact for the Hawks.
“He is a year-round tennis player and should push the returning varsity players for a singles position,” Miller said.
Ethan Bovee and Aiden Walker are among the others expected to battle for varsity spots.
“Those two should challenge for potential positions in either singles or doubles,” Miller said. “Several other JV returnees could surprise us next week when practice begins.”
Ankeny will open its season on March 31 with a CIML Iowa Conference dual meet at Fort Dodge.